Nova Launcher, a popular Android launcher, is facing an uncertain future after its parent company, Branch Metrics, laid off most of its team, including nearly everyone involved with Nova. This news has left many Android enthusiasts concerned about the future of the app and its development.
The layoffs were announced by former Nova Launcher team members on social media. Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade, both veterans of the Nova team, shared the news on X and Discord, respectively. According to their messages, Branch Metrics laid off over a hundred employees across the company, including almost everyone on the Nova team except for its founder and original developer, Kevin Barry.
Rob Wainwright's (Nova Launcher Developer) statement on X
What does this mean for Nova Launcher?
It's still too early to say for sure what the layoffs will mean for Nova Launcher's future. Officially, former team members have expressed confidence that Kevin Barry will continue to develop the app. However, it's hard not to be concerned about the impact of losing so much of the team.
One immediate consequence is the loss of customer support and PR. With only Kevin Barry left, Nova Launcher is now effectively a one-man show. Additionally, development is likely to slow down significantly. Kevin has stated that he's already working on Nova 8.1, but it will have a "cut scope compared to what was planned."
A History of Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher has been a popular choice for Android users for many years. It offers a high degree of customization, allowing users to personalize their home screens and app drawers. The app has also been praised for its performance and stability.
Branch Metrics acquired Nova Launcher in 2022. At the time, there was some skepticism about the future of the app under new ownership. However, Branch Metrics assured users that they were committed to supporting Nova Launcher and its development.
Kevin Barry's statement
In response to the layoffs, Kevin Barry released a statement on the Nova Launcher blog. He assured users that he is still committed to the app and that he will continue to control its direction and development. He also acknowledged the contributions of the former team members and thanked them for their hard work.
Recommended Stories
I've always been the lead and primary contributor to Nova Launcher and that hasn't changed. I will continue to control the direction and development of Nova Launcher.
Kevin Barry, Nova Launcher creator
It remains to be seen how the layoffs will impact the app's development in the long term. Hopefully, Kevin Barry will be able to continue working on the app and bring Nova 8.1 to users as previously promised.
Create a free account and join our vibrant community
Register to enjoy the full PhoneArena experience. Here’s what you get with your PhoneArena account:
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and official member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: